Check a Pre-Loved Bag As Soon As It Arrives

Inspect it at once, photograph labels, logos and stitching, and report within the platform’s window. Some give only a short time.

Published November 3, 2026 · 3 min read · Topic: Buying, Prices & Authenticity · Buying & prices

Typical situation

A pre-loved bag you bought from a resale app has just been delivered, and you want to know what to do in the first hour.

Main answer · berabags Editorial Team · Buying view

Inspect the bag right away, take clear close-up photos of the labels, logos and craftsmanship, and report any concern within the platform’s window. GOV.UK says that once an item arrives, inspecting it straight away is the best way to stay protected.

What GOV.UK says

Once your item arrives, the best way to stay protected is to inspect it right away.
Some platforms give buyers time after delivery to review an item and raise concerns through support. As an example, it describes one platform with a 48-hour window.
If you suspect an item is not genuine, take clear close-up photos of the labels, logos and craftsmanship as evidence.
Provide those details within the window so that the platform’s team can investigate fully.
If you have bought a counterfeit item in person, return it to the seller and ask for a refund.

What to check on arrival

The packaging and any signs of tampering.
The labels and tags against the listing.
The logo, stitching and hardware.
Any smell, stain or damage.
Whether anything promised is missing.

What to do next

Report through the platform, with your photos, within its window. If you paid by credit card and the platform does not help, consider a dispute with your issuer.

If the platform window has passed

If you are outside the platform’s window, contact the seller anyway and explain what you found. Keep your photos and messages, and if you paid by credit card, ask your issuer about a dispute. A late claim is harder, but a clear record still helps.

Where this answer stops

The 48-hour figure is an example of one platform, and windows differ. Read the terms for the site you use.

Sources and further reading

GOV.UK: How to spot fake fashion when shopping second-hand

Three more perspectives

berabags Editorial Team · Purchasing view

Open the parcel on the day it arrives, even if you plan to give the bag as a gift. A check that is delayed can fall outside the platform’s window.

berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

Photograph the bag as it came out of the packaging, with the label side visible. Evidence taken early is the evidence the platform can trust.

berabags Editorial Team · Use view

Compare the bag to the listing photos one by one, and make a short list of anything that differs. Report with the list and the photos together.

Independent and unofficial. berabags is an independent editorial site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any bag brand, retailer, airline or agency named on this page. This page contains no affiliate links; if berabags adds any in future they will be labelled. Rules and policies change, so check the linked source before you act. This is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice.